Skip to content

Youth self-esteem focus of free workshops (3 photos)

Twin Lakes students presenting series of sessions at Orillia Youth Centre; 'Our goal is to help youth build the self-esteem to (recognize) the bully is the problem'

Cheyenne White has wanted to help her peers gain self-esteem for years, and now she’s doing it.

The Grade 9 student is one of three at Twin Lakes Secondary School who are presenting self-esteem workshops at the Orillia Youth Centre.

“People always tell people not to bully each other, but it still happens,” White said during Wednesday’s workshop. “Our goal is to help youth build the self-esteem to (recognize) the bully is the problem.”

White, who is running the workshops with Emma Draper and Sammie Duggan, is part of her school’s PEAC (Partners in Education, Adventure and Community) program, which allows students to earn credits while organizing activities in both the school and the community.

“The goal is to get youth thinking about their community more and helping their community,” she said. “When I heard about PEAC, I already had my idea for a project.”

Participants began Wednesday’s session by introducing themselves, and then they played “catch a compliment,” during which they tossed a ball to each other and gave a compliment to the person who threw it.

They are given challenges to complete at home that are aimed at reminding them of their worth when they’re feeling down. It can be as simple as remembering an inspirational quote. One of the quotes that resonated with Kaylyn, a participant in Wednesday’s workshop, was about accepting the fact there will be tough times.

“Sometimes you can make mistakes and have bad days,” she said.

For Emily, is was about accepting people for who they are and how they look.

“Lots of people are self-conscious about what they wear. Be comfortable with what you’re wearing,” she said.

Wednesday’s workshop was the second in a series of four. The next two will take place June 5 and 12 at the youth centre.

Youth are encouraged to attend the free sessions, which take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m.


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.




Nathan Taylor

About the Author: Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the desk editor for Village Media's central Ontario news desk in Simcoe County and Newmarket.
Read more